| Play On | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | John Miles |
| Cover: | Play on albumcover.jpg |
| Released: | 1983 |
| Recorded: | 1982 |
| Studio: | Maison Rouge, London |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Label: | EMI |
| Producer: | Gus Dudgeon |
| Prev Title: | Miles High |
| Prev Year: | 1981 |
| Next Title: | Transition |
| Next Year: | 1985 |
Play On is the sixth solo album by John Miles released in 1983 via EMI label.
EMI promised that Miles would use a top producer and top session musicians for his second album for EMI.[1]
Eventually they chose Gus Dudgeon who had worked with artists like Elton John, Chris Rea and Elkie Brooks. Originally, the album was planned to be released in 1982, but because Dudgeon was not available at the time, the release was delayed.[1]
It was also the first time that drummer Barry Black and bassist Bob Marshall were not used on the album (although Marshall still wrote the songs with Miles). Instead they were replaced by session musicians."The Right to Sing" was the first single released from the album and was written about the fact that record companies wanted to decide which songs Miles had to release and which direction he had to take.[1]
Another single, the catchy track "Song For You" became a small worldwide hit and was used as a soundtrack in TV commercials for cigarette brand "Hollywood" in Brazil and few other countries.
"That's Rock 'n' Roll" was left off the album because it was too different, and was subsequently released as a B-side.[1]
"Carrie" was covered by The Hollies on the b-side of the 1988 re-release of their cover version of He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother. John Miles sang backing vocals on it.
On 23rd April 2024, which would have been John’s 75th birthday, his official Facebook page announced that Play On would be available for the first time on CD as part of a 3 CD set covering his albums from 1983 to 1993. The release date was set as 19 July 2024 & in addition would include the Transition & Upfront albums together with liner notes and all singles both A’s & B’s. A few days later Cherry Red released more information. https://www.cherryred.co.uk/john-miles-the-albums-1983-93-3cd-box-set
All songs written by Bob Marshall and John Miles